Spring 2013: How to wear boyfriend denim

Transition dressing calls for creativity and with Huntsville’s early spring/late winter cold snap, it’s the ideal time to put it into action. The ankle baring crop of boyfriend denim is the perfect touch for this oh-so-capricious time of year. The challenge is how to wear it without looking like a slob. The key to owning this look is really in the not-so-secret use of juxtaposition. You’ve come across the word a million times in this column and it holds true. If you aren’t going to look like a trend is wearing you, (or like an escapee from the Vegas Strip—short skirts, platforms and deep décolletage), playing with extremes is always the way to go.

A 2013 Fashion Month favorite, the slouchy, slightly distressed boyfriend jean is poised to provide a bit of comfort for those tiring of super skinny denim, but it holds pitfalls for the unwary. If paired with a chunky shoe, it reads frumpy. The best way to make this look work is with a high heel, or a very delicate shoe.

The tomboyish appeal has to be balanced. A slightly sexy tank and a well-fitting blazer is springtime magic. The femininity of the top plays perfectly against the masculine accents and a blazer that fits comfortably, but snugly under your arms keeps proportion in check.

Or try a silky blouse. They’re everywhere and a new look style staple. The simplicity and ease of a silk blouse worn in an off duty style is amazing. Tucked in to a lower rise, slouchy jean, it lengthens a shorter torso and slims.

Check out the list above to see more and to get tips on making this trend your own.

Boyfriend Denim

Slouchy they may be, but boyfriend denim doesn’t have to be unflattering. For the best option, look for a slim fit that isn’t clingy. Remember straight leg denim? You have more options if you can control how high you roll them. Roll them higher for ankle booties, to show a little leg. With a delicate shoe, only a peek of ankle is necessary. Paige Denim Tyler vintage mid-rise boyfriend jeans matchesfashion.com.

Boyfriend Denimaldoshoes.com

Boyfriend Denim

A delicate, spring time shoe pairs perfectly with a slouchy jean or pant. Opt for a wild springtime print or very of-the-moment white. Either way, a pump with a retro feel is the perfect juxtaposition for masculine-inspired pieces. In this image see the Aldo Mease High Heel in white patent or black multi, aldoshoes.com.

Boyfriend Denimhm.com

Boyfriend Denim

A snug fitting blazer in a springtime hue is the perfect transition piece and pairs beautifully with your boyish denim. Pop it over a fitted sweater on a chilly day, or a slouchy tank for the perfect layering option when spring springs. H&M blazer at hm.com and in store at Bridge Street.

Boyfriend Denimjcrew.com

Boyfriend Denim

Opt for a half tucked in slouchy tank in a pretty hue and your look is nearly completed. A fine cotton or silk tank works beautifully as a layering piece for work or play. This one by J.Crew is a closet staple you'll turn to time and again. Vintage tank jcrew.com

Boyfriend DenimPrice

Boyfriend Denim

Put it all together and your tomboy denim and slouchy tank gets a dose of femininity in the form of pretty, layered pinks, a metallic clutch and shoes in a riotous print. Finish with your favorite delicate earrings or a few delicate, layered chains for a spring-ready combination. Sorial Envelope Clutch - Metallic Leather bloomingdales.com.

Boyfriend Denimintermixonline.com

Boyfriend Denim

A silk blouse is a closet staple every girl should own. Feminine in spite of its tailoring, it transcends the office and transitions perfectly into a weekend wardrobe when paired with the slouchy fit of a boyfriend pant. This one is by Equipment, find similar blouses in the Huntsville area in Madison at Bon Chic Boutique. Equipment slim signature print blouse, intermixonline.com.

Boyfriend Denimoldnavy.com

Boyfriend Denim

A slightly slouchy khaki pant with a slim fit easily rocks the boyfriend trend. Avoid flats with these styles as they easily scream “MOM PANTS” when not paired with more sophisticated pieces. An ankle boot with a small opening gives it edge, but a delicate pump is the perfect juxtaposition. Old Navy Boyfriend Skinny Khakis, oldnavy.com.

Boyfriend DenimPrice

Boyfriend Denim

This combination of neutrals is far from boring when you put them all together and add a pop of color with a statement piece. Suddenly, the slouch leaves the khakis and the white shoe pops. Pop Garden Statement Necklace at katespade.com.

The boyfriend pant look is actually an easy one to work into your casual line-up with the right pairings. Just mix it up and give it an elegant spin.

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Amy Price is a Huntsville-based style consultant. An expert in the latest looks both on and off the runway, Amy is adept at interpreting trends for her clients, fans of her columns and readers of her blog, makethebubblesstay.com. As a well-traveled student of history, fashion and culture, Amy brings a wider vision to her work helping clients to discover and develop a personal style. Find out more at AmyPriceStyle.com and contact Amy with questions or comments at amygprice@rocketmail.com